Cards for circularity: Towards circular design in practice

G Dokter,A Van Stijn,L Thuvander,U Rahe

doi:10.1088/1755-1315/588/4/042043

G Dokter, A Van Stijn + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/588/4/042043

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Abstract

The transition towards a Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment is crucial to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Theoretical frameworks and methods for circular design have been developed. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge on circular design in practice and how circular design thinking can be supported. This study aims to provide insights on circular design in practice and how this can be supported through circular design methods. First, we reviewed existing circular design methods and developed a card-based circular design tool. Next, an interactive survey and design workshop using the tool was carried out with 12 design experts to gather knowledge on circular design in practice. Finally, we derive key learnings that can support the development of circular design methods and advancement of CE in practice. Overall, circular design remains highly conceptual and is challenging due to the interconnectedness of parameters and temporal aspects such as product life cycle. Designers need ways of educating and convincing stakeholders on the value and feasibility of circular design. Advancing the CE in practice requires circular design methods that help to contextualize the design process and reduce complexity, and examples are needed of how CE can be implemented in practice.

Highlights

To realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations such as SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), it is vital to move away from the current linear economy that follows a take-make-use-dispose principle, towards a Circular Economy (CE) [1]
This study aims to provide insights on circular design in practice and how this can be supported through circular design methods
In a CE, economic growth is decoupled from resource consumption and the notion of waste is eliminated by keeping products, components and materials at their highest utility and value [2]

Summary

Introduction

To realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations such as SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), it is vital to move away from the current linear economy that follows a take-make-use-dispose principle, towards a Circular Economy (CE) [1]. Designing for a CE requires fundamentally different design strategies and methods that support a holistic and systems approach to problem solving and concurrent development of a circular design, supply chain and business model. Previous research has defined frameworks, methods and strategies for circular design and investigated the changing roles, competences and skills of designers in a CE [3,4,5,6,7,8,9]. Little research has been done on circular design in practice and how circular design thinking can be supported, implemented and shared through the use of circular design methods

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